Can I get benefit when I'm away from home?
That depends. Normally, we will only pay Housing Benefit while you are living at the property. However, in certain circumstances we can pay benefit while you are away from home.
To qualify you must intend to return to the property following the absence and the property must not be sublet or re-let while you are away.
You must tell us as soon as you know you are going to be away from home.
Different rules apply in different situations, so carry on reading the sections below to see if you qualify.
What is the 13-week rule?
The 13-week rule says that you may be able to claim benefit while you are away from home for a period of up to 13 weeks if:
Please note that in this case we can only award benefit if the total absence, including any period served on remand, is likely to be less than 13 weeks.
In all these cases, you must:
If you are not sure, just check with us.
What is the 52-week rule?
The 52-week rule says that you may be able to claim benefit while you are away from home for a period of up to 52 weeks if you are:
If you are sentenced, you automatically fall under the 13-week rule. However, if you have already been absent for 13 weeks or more, we cannot pay you any more benefit.
In all the cases above, you must:
If you're not sure, just check with us.
What if I go into residential care accommodation?
But if you have to pay for the period you give notice to your former landlord and you could not have avoided the liability, we may be able to pay you Housing Benefit for up to 4 weeks.
If you want more information please contact us.
How do I make a claim for benefit if I am going to be away from home?
If you are going away from home and want to continue claiming Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit, you must tell us as soon as possible.
We will confirm your details and check to see if you qualify. Then we'll write to you with our decision.
What should I do if anything changes when I'm getting benefit?
You should tell us straightaway if your circumstances change. It might affect how much you get, and if you don't tell us you may lose benefit.
If you don't tell us about a change and we pay you too much benefit, you may have to pay it back.
Please visit 'Change of Circumstances' section for more information.
What can I do if I don't agree with your decision?
If you don't agree with our decision, you can ask us to look at it again. Our letters tell you what your rights are. Please see What to do if you disagree with a Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit decision for more detailed information.
Where can I get help?
If you need to find out whether you are eligible for any of these benefits or if you need help completing benefit forms, please get in touch with our Independent Benefit Advisor, Karen Linford.
Phone Karen on 0151 356 6607 or email karen.linford@epnbc.gov.uk
Home visits can be arranged if required.
Advice is also available from Ellesmere Port and Neston's Citizens Advice Bureau.
